UPDATED 18.00 HRS – SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER

PEMBROKESHIRE residents have been warned to be prepared for what forecasters are calling a “significant storm” set to batter Wales on Sunday.

Met Office forecasts say hurricane force winds of 60 to 80mph could hit southern parts of the UK sweeping north and east overnight.

Natural Resources Wales warns of possible localised flooding.

The ferry services have been cancelled and councils have been filling sandbags and clearing gullies.

There is also concern that trees could come down affecting power supplies.

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has urged its customers to let them know about any flooding in the sewer networks.

Frank Saunders, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: “We are confident that a severe storm will affect Britain on Sunday night and Monday. We are now looking at refining the details about which areas will see the strongest winds and the heaviest rain.

“This is a developing situation and we’d advise people to stay up to date with our forecasts and warnings over the weekend, and be prepared to change their plans if necessary. We’ll continue to work closely with authorities and emergency services to ensure they are aware of the expected conditions.”

A spokesman for Dyfed-Powys Police said “We are working closely with our partner agencies monitoring the severe weather expected this evening and overnight. Plans and resources are in place should the need arise. In light of the amber warning in place currently, we are urging the public to keep an eye on weather forecasts and take appropriate steps and precautions to minimise the impact of such weather and keep themselves and others safe.”

The spokesman added “It is anticipated our contact centre and control room may experience high levels of demand as the weather worsens, but if you’re query is not an emergency and relates to the weather please check weather forecasts in the media, on the internet and social media or if it’s travel and traffic advice you’re looking for go to the Traffic Wales website. But in an emergency call 999.”

Meanwhile Dwr Cymru Welsh Water is asking its customers to work with them to keep sewers flowing through wet weather.

“With a lot of heavy rain forecast for Wales over the course of the weekend, our engineers will be on high alert to respond to any issues which may occur on our wastewater network,” said director of waste water services Steve Wilson.

“The network gets placed under increased pressure during this type of weather therefore we would be grateful if customers could immediately notify us on issues they become aware of relating to it in their area.

“We would ask customers to call our 24 hour operational helpline on 0800 085 3968 to report any issues.”

Pembrokeshire Herald advice and tips for inside the home:-

Draught proof your windows and doors, including weather strips and rain boards on doors
Know how to turn off your gas, water and electricity mains supplies
Use surge protectors for electrical appliances
Consider a generator for prolonged power outages
Ensure you have a good supply of baterries and a working torch and radio
Ensure all lights work and you have spare light bulbs
Keep a list of emergency numbers
Check you have up to date insurance
If your children are at school or nursery, know their emergency plan and requirements should someone besides the parent have to pick them up

MET OFFICE WEATHER FORECAST

Issued 0400HRS 27.10.2013

Damaging winds and heavy rain developing tonight and into tomorrow.

Today:
Sunshine and blustery showers today, with some of the showers turning heavy and thundery at times, especially in the north. Windy with a risk of gales, particularly over the mountains. Thicker cloud and rain reaching the far southwest by dusk. Maximum Temperature 15 °C.

Tonight:
Heavy rain quickly spreading across the country during the evening, with further heavy rain overnight. Damaging winds also likely in the south, giving the risk of fallen trees and disruption. Minimum Temperature 9 °C.

Monday:
Damaging winds and heavy rain gradually easing throughout the morning, but winds still remaining strong. Sunny spells and scattered showers following, with the showers turning heavy in places. Maximum Temperature 14 °C.